The “tingi" culture is deeply rooted in the daily life of many Filipino households. This practice of purchasing items in small quantities caters to the reality that not everyone can afford to buy in bulk. It’s seen as a convenient and often practical option, especially if you’re working with a tight budget or trying to stretch your cash until the next payday. However, while buying in tingi sizes feels affordable at the moment, it can actually cost you more over time, especially when it comes to hygiene items.
Because they are everyday essentials, you're going to buy and use hygiene products regularly. If you have a little extra money and some storage space at home, it often makes more financial sense to buy in bulk from your local grocery store or pharmacy. This is because larger packs usually offer better value per piece or per milliliter, and they reduce the need for constant trips to the store. To help you shop smarter, Southstar Drug offers a list of the most practical hygiene items that are more economical to buy in bigger quantities.
Bath Soap or Body Wash
Taking a bath once or twice a day is common in places like the Philippines where the weather is often hot and humid. It makes sense, then, to buy bar soaps or liquid body wash in bulk. The good news is that bar soaps can be bought in multi-packs. They also don’t expire quickly, meaning you can easily store them in a cabinet. For liquid soaps like Guardian Goat’s Milk Moisturising Shower Cream, big refill packs cost significantly less than buying a new bottle every time. If your family shares one bathroom, having an extra stash means fewer urgent trips to the store.
Shampoo and Conditioner
While shampoo and conditioner sachets seem budget-friendly, they’re actually more expensive per milliliter than bottles. As such, hair care products can quickly add up in cost if you're buying sachets every few days. Instead of buying sachets, opt for 700 ml bottles or family-sized refill packs of Guardian Silky Smooth shampoo and conditioner to get more product for your money. You can also check bundle deals that include both shampoo and conditioner, which can save you even more.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a daily necessity, and it’s another item where buying in bulk offers better value. Many popular brands come in value packs—often with three to four tubes bundled together at a reduced price. These multipacks are especially helpful for families or shared households.
Toothbrushes
It’s not just toothpaste that you should stock up on. It’s recommended that you change your toothbrush every three months, which means you’re likely to go through several each year. Buying Guardian Slim & Soft toothbrushes in 3s not only lowers the cost per piece but also ensures that you always have a spare on hand. They’re also great to keep in emergency kits or travel bags.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Pads and liners are essential for many women, and they’re used monthly as well, making them ideal for bulk buying. Larger packs often come with bonus items or discounts, and you can find better deals at pharmacies and warehouse stores or during sales. Buying in bulk helps you stay stocked without the hassle of frequent purchases, especially during heavy flow days when you need more than expected.
Deodorant
Just like taking regular baths, deodorant is a must for many people living in hot and highly humid countries. Buying twin packs or large-sized roll-ons or sprays can give you more for less. Some brands also offer refillable options, allowing you to keep the same container and just replace the contents. This lets you save money and cut down on plastic waste at the same time.
Alcohol and Hand Sanitizer
Rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers became household staples during the height of the COVID pandemic and remain essential today, especially when commuting, handling cash, or eating out. Gallon-sized containers or liter bottles of alcohol and sanitizer offer far better value than small pocket-sized ones. Plus, you can easily refill smaller bottles for everyday use while keeping your large supply at home.
Cotton Buds and Cotton Pads
These items are versatile enough that they are used regularly for hygiene, skincare, baby care, and even wound cleaning or treatment. Buying cotton buds and pads in large tubs or resealable bags gives you a better deal than small travel-sized packs. In addition, having extra at home can be convenient for both personal grooming and cleaning small spaces.
Disposable Razors or Razor Refills
If you shave frequently, you know how quickly razors wear out. Buying them individually gets expensive fast; multipacks offer a better price per razor, and you can often find deals that include bonus units. For those who use refillable handles, cartridge refills are cheaper per blade when bought in larger quantities.
Tissues and Wet Wipes
These are everyday items you’ll use for everything from wiping your hands to cleaning spills. Family-sized tissue boxes and multi-pack wet wipes are usually cheaper and more environmentally friendly than single packs. Some brands also offer refills, so you don’t have to keep buying new plastic containers. Guardian Antibacterial Fragrance-free Wipes in 10s are a convenient option if you need to stock up on wipes that you can use at home or while on the go.
Tingi buying has its place, especially when you need to make your budget stretch day by day. But when you have a bit more financial room and want to reduce waste and save in the long run, bulk buying is the way to go. Hygiene items are some of the best products to buy in larger quantities because they’re used consistently, last long, and are essential to daily life. By planning ahead and shopping smart at your local Southstar Drug branch, you can make your money go further without sacrificing quality. Visit a branch near you today or shop online to find affordable hygiene products that you can trust.
